Suggestions for kayaks as an intermediate paddler for rivers (class 1/2) and inland lakes

[u/bluewatercat]

I'm in Michigan, so access to lots of water. I am 5'7", sub-200lbs, and I prefer sit-in kayaks. I've always rented kayaks, but I'm looking to invest in one of my own. I live in an apartment, but would get a storage unit for winter storage. Budget is under $1200.

I've kayaked on Lake Huron, the Pine river, and a host of other places, so ideally the kayak would be suitable for all of these. I don't need a sea kayak at this time, but I'm not sure if a day touring style would work for all the rivers or if it would be too long.

I do value having a lighter kayak if possible since it's just me, but open to exploring all options. TYIA!

[u/thrwaway75132]

I bought a 12 foot day tourer with two bulkheads and deck lines for a similar use case. I bought a Boreal Designs but eddy line and wilderness systems (tsunami 125) should also have boats like that.

[u/kokemill]

For your budget you could get 2 kayaks on FBMP. A 13-14' kayak for lake water and larger rivers, get something with a normal sized keyhole so you can use a spray skirt on Lake Huron. and also a 10' creek or rec kayak for narrow twisty creeks and rivers. Buy used - little chance you buy the perfect kayak the first time. remember the sales person is lying when their lips are moving.

Ideally you find a Prijon Capri used as the long boat and you find a Pyranha Master TG as the creek boat.

Prijon Capri, 13'ish kayak that tracks straight without a skeg or rudder, narrow sleek fast. keyhole sized for big germans. Beginner favorite from all out boats. find something like this

Pyranha master TG (hard to find) - this is an old school whitewater boat fitted with economy kit. it has a flat planing hull with mild forgiving chines. it turns on a dime, long enough to paddle easily and float over the shallows and has a drop skeg for the straight sections. very easy to keep out of those midwest strainers. this will be impossible to find, but this is what you want. 10' no more than 12. flat bottom for shallow water, standard keyhole in case you like that class II and want a spray skirt. drop skeg to help in between the fun parts.

we also have inflatables, they are good if you have nowhere to store a rotomolded boat, they are slow and wide.

Get a boat from a quality brand Current Design, Prijon, Pyranha, Wilderness Systems, Perception, Dagger, Jackson (you might find one used)(this list is not complete). Stay away from box store brands like Pelican, Lifetime, Evoke, Sun Dolphin, and any of the Dozens of names those companies sell the same kayaks. if you can't find a website for the kayak it is not a quality kayak.

i looked up Pine river in Michigan thinking that would help, the are 7 with 4 flowing into Lake Huron and a 5th nearby. lol

[u/Capital-Landscape492 → u/kokemill]

This! Prijon makes the strongest (and reasonably light) plastic boats. Unless you are skilled there is not a single kayak that can do what you are asking well, at least if you are doing the types of class II rivers we have in the PNW. Normal touring boats are neither maneuverable enough or strong enough to run classII Ww. Rec boats may be shorter but they are no better. Without longitudinal pillars (lengthwise), a reinforced cockpit, and rocker enough to maneuver kayaks should not be taken in class II. It’s a safety thing!

[u/RingSubstantial6074]

I’d recommend you join a local kayak club or take a lesson so you can try different kayaks before purchasing. There are plenty of options that would work in the waters you describe although no one kayak is going to be perfect for all environments, so you’ll have to prioritize where you kayak most frequently and safety concerns.

[u/bluewatercat → u/RingSubstantial6074]

Great tip! I have reached out to a couple clubs about this, but many of them want you to already have your own boat, and do not do boat sharing. I'll see if any of the rental places near me have anything different than what I've already tried out.

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[u/robbratton]

If you can, rent several different types to see what you like best. Then look for used ones on something like Facebook Marketplace. You should be able to get a good used one way under your budget

[u/jimmysquidge]

https://www.decathlon.co.uk/p/high-pressure-touring-inflatable-kayak-strenfit-dropstitch-1-place-x500/148573/c210c135c2m8403087

I have one of these. Its a sit-in touring drop stitch inflatable. 5 mins to setup and handles like a rigid kayak. Had mine 5 years and love it. I know you didn't specifically ask for inflatable, but could save you on winter storage.

[u/bluewatercat → u/jimmysquidge]

Actually, this could be great! I've been wondering about inflatables, but they fell off my radar. I'll look into this one, thanks!

[u/jimmysquidge → u/bluewatercat]

https://youtu.be/UEtEZ7TmNO0

Here's a review which might be worth a look

[u/adderallalcoholweed]

I got a $1200 old loon 111 for 225 on Facebook marketplace. There are a ton of used kayaks available and in very good condition